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The Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Intercity Passenger Rail (IPR) Program is one of four grant programs that constitute the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/Federal Emergency Management Agency’s focus on transportation infrastructure security activities. These grant programs are part of a comprehensive set of measures authorized by Congress and implemented by DHS to help strengthen the nation’s critical infrastructure against terrorist attacks. IPR provides funds to Amtrak to protect critical surface transportation infrastructure and the traveling public from acts of terrorism.
About the Program
What is the purpose of the fiscal year (FY) 2023 IPR Program?
The Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Intercity Passenger Rail (IPR) Program is one of four grant programs that constitute the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/Federal Emergency Management Agency’s focus on transportation infrastructure security activities. These grant programs are part of a comprehensive set of measures authorized by Congress and implemented by DHS to help strengthen the nation’s critical infrastructure against terrorist attacks. IPR provides funds to Amtrak to protect critical surface transportation infrastructure and the traveling public from acts of terrorism.
What legislation authorized funding for the FY 2023 IPR Program?
The program is authorized by Section 1513 of the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (Pub. L. No. 110-53), codified as amended (6 U.S.C. § 1163); and by Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2022 (Pub. L. No. 117-103).
How much funding is available under the FY 2023 IPR Program?
The total amount of funds distributed under the FY 2023 IPR program will be $10 million.
What are the changes in funding levels between FY 2022 and FY 2023?
The FY 2023 funding level for IPR is the same as FY 2022.
Where is the FY 2023 IPR Program Notice of Funding Opportunity located?
The FY 2023 IPR Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is located online at www.fema.gov/grants.
Who is eligible to apply for FY 2023 IPR Program funds?
The National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) is the only entity eligible to apply.
How will the FY 2023 IPR Program application be submitted?
Applying for under the IPR Program is a multi-step process; the registration process can take four weeks or more to complete. Therefore, Amtrak is encouraged to register in sufficient time to not hinder its ability to meet required submission deadlines. Please refer to Section D in the FY 2023 IPR Program NOFO for detailed information and instructions.
Amtrak should submit its initial application at least three days prior to the May 18, 2023 application deadline through the Grants.gov portal at www.grants.gov. For Grants.gov support, Amtrak should contact the Grants.gov customer support hotline at (800) 518-4726 or support@grants.gov 24 hours a day, seven days a week except federal holidays.
After the initial application is submitted in Grants.gov, Amtrak will be notified by FEMA to proceed with submitting its complete application package in the Non-Disaster (ND) Grants System by the application deadline. If technical support is needed with the ND Grants System, Amtrak should contact ndgrants@fema.dhs.gov or (800) 865- 4076, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Eastern Time (ET).
Amtrak’s completed application must be submitted in the ND Grants system no later than 5 p.m. ET on May 18, 2023.
- What are the key dates associated with the FY 2023 IPR Program?
- February 27, 2023: NOFO released.
- May 18, 2023, 5 p.m. ET: Application due to FEMA.
How will the FY 2023 IPR Program funds be allocated?
Amtrak is the only entity eligible to apply for funding under the IPR Program. However, consistent with the other non-competitive preparedness grant programs, spending requirements are imposed. The National Priority Areas and associated minimum spend requirements for Amtrak are:
- Enhancing Cybersecurity: No minimum spend requirement; and
- Enhancing the Protection of Soft Targets/Crowded Places: 5% minimum spend.
What is the FY 2023 IPR Program period of performance?
The period of performance is 36 months.
What other resources are available to address programmatic, technical and financial questions?
For additional program-specific information, please contact the FEMA Grants Information Desk at fema-grants-news@fema.dhs.gov OR at (800) 368-6498. Hours of operation are from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.
For support regarding financial grants management and budgetary technical assistance, Amtrak may contact the DHS/FEMA Award Administration Help Desk via e-mail at ASK-GMD@fema.dhs.gov.